Post by Michael Gray on Jul 28, 2009 13:55:40 GMT
Similar to the Macintosh Cup United opened up at home to a second division outfit on this occasion Keiss, who recently confirmed their place in the play-off position. Yet again the home side’s resources were stretched to the full with a number of players unavailable however they did welcome back Derek Manson and Garry Macleod to the fold along with trialists Willie Steven and Danny Hughes completing the squad. United actually managed to put the recent disappointments behind them to record a comprehensive victory and set-up a home quarter final tie v Acks in Dunnet. The front pairing of Macleod and Morris right from the first whistle were offering a good bit of movement, which the Keiss rearguard were struggling to contain them. It was no surprise when the deadlock was broken after 12 mins when a raking Steven pass saw Macleod race unchallenged and side foot passed the exposed Stewart. Within minutes it was 2 as Macleod again found the path to goal unguarded latching on to a Manson flick rounding Stewart and finishing very smartly. The second division side were rattled now aggrieved at the two goals believing they were offside but referee Makhouli was having none of it. The visitors were getting no respite as Begg, Manson and Bell all were making regular forays into enemy territory with just the killer pass missing. Although on 20 mins the game was effectively over Bell released Macleod down the left channel he backed up the defence before squaring to Morris who finished first time with a superb rising drive from 12 yards. The same player made it 4 after 30 mins rising highest at the far post to powerfully head down a Bell freekick after Green was adjudged to have fouled Morris on the touchline. To be fair Keiss were trying to make headway with Harris and Steven linking up down the left but failing really to create a clear cut chance with Steven marshalling the defence well. Derek Manson saw United go nap 5 mins before the break after superb wing play from Marc Begg saw him race to the bye line before crossing to the inrushing midfielder who could not miss from 6 yards out. Keiss were demoralised and defensively completely over run as United played at a tempo unrecognisable in comparison with recent weeks. Gary Bell got in on the act minutes before the break when another Begg run saw the ball into the far post where Bell adjusted very well to finish right footed from a tight angle.
Half time
Pentland United 6-0 Keiss
Within minutes of the re-start Macleod blotted his copy book when his attempted pass back was intercepted by player/ manager Mackenzie and he poked it passed the out rushing Gray. United were stumbling at this point with no real rhythm about their play this lasted for fifteen minutes as Keiss enjoyed their best phase of the game but that was settled on the hour when Macleod again linked well with Morris to drive a low shot across Stewart to complete his hat-trick and settle things down nicely. Manager Gray then started ringing the changes replacing Steven with Ryan Begg. Steven Morris then missed an extraordinary chance to complete his first ever hat-trick for the club when a cross from the right was knocked across goal for the striker but he blazed over from 6 yards with the goal gaping. The one thing about Morris though is he is persistent and he did complete his hat-trick in some style on 65 minutes there seemed no danger when he picked up a pass from Despy 35 yards from goal but he strode forward before un leashing a rasping drive that flew into the bottom corner with Stewart barely able to react to make it 8-1. Ian Semple then entered the fray replacing Derek Manson as the re-shuffle continued the goal of the game came with just over 15 minutes remaining Ryan Begg picked up possession in the heart of the midfield and sent a delightful pass over the top of the defence for Morris to race clear before squaring the ball for the inrushing Macleod to smash home from close range to put United within 1 of double figures. The final goal however brought the biggest cheer of the night final substitute Dan ’The Man’ Hughes replaced Morris with fifteen remaining and he took centre stage with just under ten minutes remaining chasing on to a Macleod through ball he evaded the challenge of Green before drawing Stewart and planting the ball into the net, the goal was greeted with the loudest cheer this season at Ham Park. The remainder of the game was mainly played out in the Keiss half as their over-worked defence desperately tried to contain United who were attacking at will as all shape went from the visitors.
Full time
Pentland United 10-1 Keiss
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. W Steven (Ryan Begg 60) 6. Daffy Mackay 7. Despy Mackay 8. D Manson (I Semple 70) 9. G Macleod 10. S Morris (D Hughes 78) 11. M Begg
View from the goal
A huge improvement on recent weeks, no question about that the appetite and movement was far more evident and was heartening. However only a small step on the way to recovery and with news of Acks defeat of John O’Groats we now face the team that dumped us out of the Macintosh Cup so we must look to settle that score and try to move into the semi-final.
Half time
Pentland United 6-0 Keiss
Within minutes of the re-start Macleod blotted his copy book when his attempted pass back was intercepted by player/ manager Mackenzie and he poked it passed the out rushing Gray. United were stumbling at this point with no real rhythm about their play this lasted for fifteen minutes as Keiss enjoyed their best phase of the game but that was settled on the hour when Macleod again linked well with Morris to drive a low shot across Stewart to complete his hat-trick and settle things down nicely. Manager Gray then started ringing the changes replacing Steven with Ryan Begg. Steven Morris then missed an extraordinary chance to complete his first ever hat-trick for the club when a cross from the right was knocked across goal for the striker but he blazed over from 6 yards with the goal gaping. The one thing about Morris though is he is persistent and he did complete his hat-trick in some style on 65 minutes there seemed no danger when he picked up a pass from Despy 35 yards from goal but he strode forward before un leashing a rasping drive that flew into the bottom corner with Stewart barely able to react to make it 8-1. Ian Semple then entered the fray replacing Derek Manson as the re-shuffle continued the goal of the game came with just over 15 minutes remaining Ryan Begg picked up possession in the heart of the midfield and sent a delightful pass over the top of the defence for Morris to race clear before squaring the ball for the inrushing Macleod to smash home from close range to put United within 1 of double figures. The final goal however brought the biggest cheer of the night final substitute Dan ’The Man’ Hughes replaced Morris with fifteen remaining and he took centre stage with just under ten minutes remaining chasing on to a Macleod through ball he evaded the challenge of Green before drawing Stewart and planting the ball into the net, the goal was greeted with the loudest cheer this season at Ham Park. The remainder of the game was mainly played out in the Keiss half as their over-worked defence desperately tried to contain United who were attacking at will as all shape went from the visitors.
Full time
Pentland United 10-1 Keiss
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. W Steven (Ryan Begg 60) 6. Daffy Mackay 7. Despy Mackay 8. D Manson (I Semple 70) 9. G Macleod 10. S Morris (D Hughes 78) 11. M Begg
View from the goal
A huge improvement on recent weeks, no question about that the appetite and movement was far more evident and was heartening. However only a small step on the way to recovery and with news of Acks defeat of John O’Groats we now face the team that dumped us out of the Macintosh Cup so we must look to settle that score and try to move into the semi-final.